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Youth Funding Awards Target Critical Youth Needs
8 January 2025
The Education Authority (EA) has announced funding allocations for youth projects across Northern Ireland, directly responding to emerging challenges faced by young people.
In total, 27 local projects have been prioritised to receive funding totalling over £458,000 to deliver targeted youth work in specific communities. The funding, which is designed to meet emerging need and is up to a maximum of 12 months, will enable more than 2,100 specialist youth work sessions, supporting young people facing various challenges including social exclusion, cultural differences, and emotional wellbeing needs. This funding will provide opportunities for young people to get support and youth work opportunities on key themes including support for SEND Young people, Irish Traveller Young People and supporting young people facing various challenges including social exclusion and cultural differences.
£496,950 has also been designated for 10 regional project and regional development awards focusing on emotional health support, leadership development including opportunities for an international experience, and youth employment programmes.
In addition, £360,000 has been made available through regional development funding to ensure that a strong volunteer base is increased and maintained with the uniformed, Irish medium, faith-based sectors.
Arlene Kee, Assistant Director of Youth Services with the Education Authority, explained that the projects directly address the needs and priorities of children and young people, whilst developing essential volunteering within the service.
"This investment demonstrates our firm commitment to working in partnership with voluntary and community-based youth service providers.
“These awards directly target the most important challenges identified by young people and confirmed in our assessment of need.
"From supporting young newcomers in Foyleside to delivering specialist programmes for children and young people with special educational needs in the Mournes, these projects will make a real difference in our communities as we seek to support the educational achievement of all our young people," she said.
Last updated:
08/01/2025